By monitoring symptoms and practicing self-management, people who have asthma can control their asthma symptoms. An important part of learning to control asthma is keeping a daily asthma diary. The asthma diary is used to:

Record daily peak expiratory flow (PEF) readings and asthma symptoms

Compare PEF readings and symptoms with asthma zones, and

Keep track of how often rescue medications are used

Recording this information will help you become aware of early signs of asthma episodes. Your doctor will also use this diary to evaluate how well your or your child's treatment plan is working.

How to keep a daily asthma diary

First, record your peak flows in the appropriate asthma zone so that you can refer to them easily.

Personal best PEF: _______

Green zone:

Asthma is well-controlled. There are no asthma symptoms. You (or your child) can complete regular activities and sleep without coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. PEF is 80 to 100 percent of personal best.

My green zone is ________to ________.

Yellow zone:

A flare-up, or asthma is poorly controlled. Cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, or chest tightness may be present. PEF is 50 to 80 percent of personal best.

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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 7/15/2014...#4070